Get Stronger

Lone Oaks assembles team to evaluate new leadership opportunities and a look at one of those special team members

Lone Oaks Farm is a place where learning happens, and leadership is a big part of that.

In July, we convened about a dozen leadership consultants, teachers, and trainers at the Farm to brainstorm, collaborate, and network. Together, these folks and others will offer visitors to Lone Oaks several unique and impactful leadership development programs. Whether it’s a guided tour of nearby Shiloh National Battlefield, an outdoor survival simulation, outdoor teambuilding activities, or classroom instruction, we want to offer world-class leadership development opportunities at the Farm.

One member of our team is Dr. Jim Cook. Jim is the founder of the Cook Group and JABC Educational Services, and today serves as the company’s vice president and chief executive officer. Jim is a talented visionary who has blazed trails as an educator, motivator, public speaker and experienced business consultant. His career spans more than two decades. He formed the Cook Group after serving meritoriously for 22 years in the United States Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

Jim’s forte is problem solving and people building. He has experience problem solving at the toughest levels in business. Some of his greatest challenges in both the private and public sector has been in serving top executives. On the public side of the ledger, Cook earned his spurs while serving as a nuclear commander in Europe, as the cold war ended. His ability to get the maximum out of the minimum keeps him in high demand. He has enjoyed successful working relationships, with the Department of Defense, numerous state and local governments, law enforcement agencies, educational and nonprofit organizations.

With a passion for getting the most out of people and a specialized skill for getting corporations and organizations to be innovative, Jim has helped countless executives think through their futures – beyond obstacles and setbacks. He has developed a keen sense for what works, as well as how to make it work and that characteristics has rub off on everyone who works for the Group. It is why the company delivers.

Cook currently lives in Pleasant Valley, Mississippi. He has earned undergraduate degrees in biology and education; advanced degrees in organizational behavior, management and theology, and education.

A devoted family man, he and his wife of 41 years, Diane, who is associated with the Cook Group, have two grown sons and 1 grand daughter, Sophia.